The hashtag "Yu Xi Wei Liang" trended.
Undoubtedly, "Yu Xi" referred to Su Yu Xi, and Wei Liang even more so. This wasn't just about CP in the drama anymore; it was about shipping the real people!
Clicking into it, people were saying their ages were similar, and their youthful vibe was unmatched!
As for their looks, in the entire entertainment industry, only a clean-cut school heartthrob like Su Yu Xi could pull off a versatile beauty like Xia Wei Liang, who could be both commanding and gentle, cool and sweet!
Coupled with their previous romantic idol drama clips, which had been masterfully re-edited by some大神, they looked absolutely perfect together!
Xiao Yi watched coldly, his phone swiping rhythmically.
He had been an adult for a long time, always uninterested in any topics or discussions outside of films.
But today, he felt an urge to compete! Why was only Su Yu Xi deemed worthy? And why were they so insistent on pairing them up?
Was his appearance not a match? Or was the age gap too significant?
Xiao Yi put down his phone and was about to speak when a call came in.
Glancing at the caller ID, he raised an eyebrow and slowly picked up.
"Yi Ge."
The call was from Shang Rong Rong.
"I just saw the trending topics," she said directly, "I didn't arrange for the trending topics."
"I know," Xiao Yi replied calmly, "You sent the photos."
"..."
Shang Rong Rong felt a mixture of amusement and helplessness.
"Yi Ge, I just wanted to raise the audience's expectations. I didn't expect Wei Liang and Yu Xi to be so popular when they appeared together..." She paused and said, "Yi Ge, you'll understand, right?"
They had collaborated in Director Zhou's film, and it had been a pleasant experience. Both were among the few actors who remained true to their artistic intentions. Therefore, Xiao Yi should understand.
"Of course," Xiao Yi replied readily, "It's all for the sake of the film."
"That's good."
Shang Rong Rong breathed a sigh of relief. Before she could thank him, Xiao Yi asked, "If it's convenient, could you send me the script to take a look?"
Shang Rong Rong was taken aback, suddenly understanding something.
"Yi Ge, don't worry, there are no intimate scenes. The most daring part of the entire film is a misdirected kiss," she explained comprehensively, "Don't worry, there won't be any actual contact."
Xiao Yi's tone softened slightly, and he said unhurriedly, "Why would I care about such things? Even if there were, it wouldn't matter; we're all professionals."
"Yi Ge is right."
A smile tugged at Xiao Yi's lips, "It's her first time on the big screen, so she'll definitely have many shortcomings. Please be patient with her."
"Heh, Yi Ge, what are you saying? As a director, that's my job! Besides, I chose Wei Liang because she's truly the most suitable candidate, for no other reason."
Shang Rong Rong said this because there was a prevailing opinion online that her choice of Xia Wei Liang was entirely due to Xiao Yi. After all, it was said that Xiao Yi's backing capital was the strongest in the entertainment industry; he was truly at the pinnacle of the pyramid! To associate with him meant access to the source of resources!
Shang Rong Rong didn't reject the idea of collaborating with Xiao Yi, but she valued her debut film even more.
"I understand."
Xiao Yi naturally understood her meaning, but he still said, "Regardless, you've given her an opportunity, and I'll remember it. If you ever need anything, just ask."
Receiving Xiao Yi's promise was more valuable than any resource she had ever obtained!
"Thank you, Yi Ge."
After the call ended, Shang Rong Rong immediately told her assistant director, "Quick, invite the screenwriter here!"
The top priority now was to quickly remove those intimate scenes from the script!
The most important reason Shang Rong Rong made this call was to appease Xiao Yi. She genuinely feared that he might create a public display of affection to assert his claim at this crucial moment, which would ruin all the CP chemistry that Xia Wei Liang and Su Yu Xi had built.
She wasn't the only one worried. Lian Jun's comforting call also arrived shortly after.
"Yi Yi, you mustn't be foolish and jump out to seek attention!"
Xiao Yi's voice was icy cold, "Would I?"
Lian Jun: "Be confident, and drop the 'would I'."
He had heard that even photoshopped pictures of children were being sent to the "One Vine" group chat of the Xiao brothers. Soon, they might have to prepare wedding gifts.
"You're overthinking it."
Xiao Yi was proud and refused to admit it, but Lian Jun knew him well.
"Sigh, it seems I've been too strict with you. After so many years of being single, once you open up, you can't stop. I should have encouraged you back then... Forget it, that would probably be harder than forcing a good person to do evil."
Lian Jun said earnestly, "Yi Yi, this is your family's Niang Niang's first film, and also Shang Rong Rong's first film for her transition. You're an adult now, can't you learn to be more mature? Don't cause trouble for your Niang Niang or her maternal family? So, things like public displays of affection should be kept low-key for now."
"Public displays of affection? Me?"
Xiao Yi let out a scoff, looked down at his phone, and deleted the draft of his social media post word by word.
Then, he said with a hint of regret, "It seems you still don't understand me very well!"
—
"Why should she get to act in a movie?!"
"With her terrible acting, how could anyone find her for a movie?!"
"What's wrong with people these days? She went to a hotel room with someone! Aren't these things being investigated? What do they like about her?"
"Are the media reporters idiots? They completely believe him just because of a few words from Xiao Yi?"
Xia Yi Ran watched the news on her phone, cursing in anger.
Hearing the door open, she quickly suppressed all her hostility and sat obediently.
Zhang Peng glanced at her, put down the schedule after entering, and said, "These are the variety shows and auditions you'll be participating in recently."
"Okay, thank you, Zhang Ge."
Despite her hatred, Xia Yi Ran knew that she hadn't been banned from the industry, the company hadn't given up on her, and all these opportunities were hard-earned.
She picked up the schedule and her expression gradually changed.
"Zhang Ge... I have to go on these programs on local TV channels too? Before, weren't these usually given to the company's new artists? I don't need to, do I..."
Zhang Peng chuckled, "If you were still a newcomer, I wouldn't have to beg people so humbly! Yi Ran, can you understand the reality? With your current reputation, it's already good enough that you have these programs to participate in! At least you'll still have exposure and won't be marginalized! Do you still have room to be picky?"
"Zhang Ge, I'm not being picky... I'll go, of course I'll go! It's just... these low-budget online short dramas... short dramas are fine, but asking me to play the female lead in a third-tier role? That means I won't have many scenes, right? How will I be able to take on lead roles if this gets out?"
Zhang Peng was genuinely amused to the point of laughter, "With your current market value, even if there were lead roles available, it wouldn't be now. Meaning, if you don't have exposure now, and you don't have female leads or supporting roles to play, you won't have the chance to play female leads in the future... it's a cycle of cause and effect, understand?"